The Gloucestershire Family Bucket List 2024-25 encompasses an updated selection of unique places to visit, action-packed experiences and unmissable events across the county — curated by SoGlos’s team of local, expert journalists.
Packed with 100 inspirational ideas to keep all ages busy throughout the year, this special list has been crafted with both lifelong family residents and first-time visitors to our wonderful county in mind.
Printed on a beautiful A2 pull-out guide, with original illustrations by Carys Tait and handy tick boxes to help you keep track, the Gloucestershire Family Bucket List is free to pick up — you'll find copies at key visitor attractions featured in the list, as well as in schools across the county.
Meanwhile, this digital version of the list includes more information about each inclusion, separated into the six county districts to help you plan your adventures in Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud and Tewkesbury.
Get the whole family involved and see how many of the 100 things you can tick off the list, and when you’re out and about, share your experiences and photos on social media using the hashtag #GlosFamilyBucketList — and we’ll reshare our favourites!
In partnership with:
The Everyman Theatre is one of Gloucestershire’s finest entertainment venues, hosting a year-round calendar of drama, dance, comedy, musicals and other entertainment, as well as family-friendly shows, including the sensational pantomime Aladdin, starring Tweedy, in 2024-25! Situated in the centre of Cheltenham, the Everyman Theatre is also home to a lively cafe and restaurant, as well as an active youth theatre programme – with term-time and summer schools for children aged seven to 18.
Everyman Theatre everymantheatre.org.uk
The King's School Gloucester is an award-winning independent day school for girls and boys aged three to 18. With a rich, vibrant history and close links to Gloucester Cathedral, King's offers academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a wealth of sports, creative and performing arts opportunities to inspire each pupil and help them to thrive.
The King’s School Gloucester thekingsschool.co.uk
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, near Tetbury, is one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world – home to five national tree collections and 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe. One of Gloucestershire’s most popular attractions, it spans a whopping 600 acres, encompassing natural play areas, family trails, restaurants and its impressive tree top walkway.
Westonbirt Arboretum forestryengland.uk/westonbirt
Family things to do in Cheltenham
Howl with laughter at Tweedy in the Everyman Theatre’s latest
family pantomime
Oh yes it is... an absolute highlight of Gloucestershire's family calendar! Catch the Everyman Theatre's annual panto from November to January — with Tweedy starring in Aladdin in 2024-25.
See the horses gallop at the home of jump racing, Cheltenham Racecourse
Most race days are free for under 18s at Cheltenham Racecourse, giving youngsters the chance to cheer on the jockeys and experience the most extraordinary horseracing action in the world.
Tackle escape rooms, play crazy golf and chow down on burgers (and more!) at The Brewery Quarter
Family-friendly restaurants, bowling, golf, cinemas, shopping, soft play... there really is something for all ages at The Brewery Quarter.
Hire a boat, take to the swings and see the bunnies at Pittville Park
Pittville Park is packed with plenty to do for an active family day out, with play areas, a skatepark, three cafes and a boating lake to row on in warmer months — plus an aviary of birds and bunnies to meet!
Scoot, cycle or saunter along the Honeybourne Line
Cheltenham's answer to New York City's High Line, the Honeybourne Line is a terrific tree-lined and traffic-free place to walk or ride your bike in the centre of Cheltenham.
Start a lifelong appreciation of art at Fresh: Art Fair
The UK’s largest regional art fair, Fresh: Art Fair brings 50 galleries, 500 artists and over 5,000 artworks to Cheltenham Racecourse — as well as kids’ workshops, live demos and an outdoor sculpture park.
Race around the impressive adventure playground at Sudeley Castle
As well as the castle-themed playground, there's a pheasantry full of birds, exhibits abouts its famous residents and the chance to see Queen Katherine Parr’s final resting place at Sudeley Castle.
Blast out some karaoke tunes or head to the batting cages at Roxy Lanes
Cheltenham’s ultimate games bar, Roxy Lanes, welcomes under 18s until 7pm (or 5pm on Saturdays) — plenty of time to bowl, shuffleboard, play air hockey or become a beast in the batting cages!
Seek out Cheltenham Paint Festival’s impressive street art
Search for spectacular street art and even spot artists at work during this year’s Cheltenham Paint Festival — one of the community’s best-loved events and voted SGGLA Event of the Year for 2023!
Channel your inner Raducanu with a tennis match — or some coaching — at East Glos Club
Try four racket sports – tennis, padel, squash and racketball — at the fun and sociable East Glos Club on Old Bath Road, one of the leading sports clubs in the county.
Experience the magic of live theatre at a family-friendly show at the Everyman Theatre
There’s plenty for theatre-loving families to see throughout the year — or, if you’re aged seven to 18, join in with the Everyman’s musical theatre summer schools!
Be inspired by a famous author at Cheltenham Literature Festival
The world’s oldest literature festival, Cheltenham Literature Festival takes place every October, welcoming incredible authors and well-known personalities to town.
Wrap up warm for Cheltenham Round Table’s impressive fireworks display
One of the best places to see dazzling fireworks in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham Round Table hosts an evening jam-packed with entertainment at Cheltenham Racecourse every November.
See the sun rise from Cleeve Hill’s summit — the highest point in the county
Gloucestershire's highest hill is an impressive vantage point — it was even dubbed the UK’s ‘fastest mountain to climb’ in 2021!
Swim a lap or two at Sandford Parks Lido
Set within four acres of landscaped gardens, Sandford Parks Lido is a heated outdoor swimming resort with a dedicated pool for little ones.
Visit Dunkertons Park for dance parties and cartoon mornings
It’s not all about cider at Dunkertons Park — parents can keep tiny tots entertained at the coffee, cookie and cartoon mornings, with dance classes for pre-schoolers, cinema clubs and crafting sessions, too.
Swing through the air with All Bars Flying Trapeze
Got a head for heights? Have a go on one of the UK’s only full-size outdoor flying trapeze rigs — starting its 2024 season in a new location at 270 Climbing Park in Bentham.
Family things to do in the Cotswolds
Travel up into the canopy at Westonbirt Arboretum and
admire the changing seasons from the STIHL Tree Top Walkway
One of the best places in the world to see autumn colour, Westonbirt Arboretum is also an ideal Cotswold destination for admiring the spring blossom and soaking up the summer sun from its 13-metre-high walkway.
See military jets soaring at the Royal International Air Tattoo
Bringing up to 200,000 visitors to Fairford every year, the Royal International Air Tattoo is a thrilling day out for aviation fans and families alike.
Follow the acorns and walk some of the Cotswold Way, which starts in Chipping Campden
Running from Chipping Campden in the north of the Cotswolds to the city of Bath in the south, the Cotswold Way is the perfect way to explore some of the most stunning countryside in the UK.
Wave to King Spike, the ‘world’s most popular penguin’, at Birdland
Winner of Penguins International’s 2023 ‘March of the Penguins Madness’ competition, Spike is the star of Birdland — where there’s over 500 other birds, including owls and pelicans, and even life-sized dinosaurs to meet, too!
Burn off energy exploring Batsford Arboretum’s beautiful 56 acres
It’s a prime Cotswold day out destination in every season, but don’t miss the chance to see Batsford’s cherry blossoms in bloom from mid-March to early May.
Create a masterpiece at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester
A dynamic arts centre in the middle of Cirencester, New Brewery Arts has a year-round calendar of art and craft courses for different age groups — and an eclectic number of exhibitions, too.
Listen to a magical, family-friendly music concert at Forest Live
Forest Live is a series of summer music concerts set amongst Westonbirt Arboretum's trees, with big names headlining every year. See Gregory Porter, Anne-Marie and Nile Rodgers and CHIC in 2024!
Watch lambs being born at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
Famous for its live lambing season, with over 800 baby sheep born every year, Cotswold Farm Park is an award-winning family attraction in Guiting Power — and home to TV presenter, Adam Henson.
Delve into the Cotswolds’ Roman past at Corinium Museum
Corinium Museum in Cirencester is home to significant finds from the Roman town of Corinium, with prehistoric tools, Anglo Saxon treasures and even an Iron Age dog to uncover!
Walk a fluffy family of Cotswold Alpacas through Cowley
A must for animal lovers, there’s the chance to meet and walk the fluffy herd of Huacaya alpacas on Cotswold Alpacas' 12-acre farm in Cowley.
Explore the Badminton Estate gardens, home of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort
Take a tour around the beautiful gardens of Badminton Estate, open to the public on selected dates, just three times a year. Children under 12 can visit for free.
Have a go at shooting clays at Ian Coley Sporting
Described as one of the best shooting grounds in the UK, head to Ian Coley Sporting to have a go at this quintessential Cotswolds country sport.
Catch a fish at Bibury Trout Farm
Fish for your supper at England’s oldest working trout farm, with catch-your-own fishing experiences and barbecues for hire at Bibury Trout Farm. Go for a round of crazy golf while you’re there, too!
Dance at silent discos, learn circus skills and see big-name musicians at Big Feastival
Big Feastival takes place at Blur bassist Alex James’ expansive farm in Kingham over the August bank holiday — with music, food and family entertainment galore.
Get splashed at Bourton-on-the-Water Football in the River
Join the crowds on the riverbank for the annual Bourton-on-the-Water Football in the River tournament, where two local teams go head-to-head for a wet victory.
Watch a movie under the stars with the Alfresco Film Company at Cotswold Airport
A memorable experience for film fans, settle in for a movie outdoors — one of Alfresco Film Company's most unique locations is in the shadow of Cotswold Airport's B747 Negus plane!
Wade in at Cotswold Country Park and Beach
Cotswold Country Park and Beach is the biggest inland sandy beach in the country and the only place to enjoy a seaside experience in landlocked Gloucestershire!
Water ski (or stay dry watching the action!) at Cotswold Water Park
Spanning 177 lakes, covering 2,000 hectares, Cotswold Water Park has SSSI status and includes a staggering range of water sport activities, from wakeboarding to racing along buoyant inflatables!
Cheer on the shin-kickers at the Cotswold Olimpick Games’ wackiest event
Dating back to the early 1600s, the unmissable Cotswold Olimpick Games takes place every June within the natural amphitheatre of Chipping Campden’s Dover’s Hill.
Snap a selfie with children’s TV star Brum at Cotswold Motoring Museum
Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water offers a fascinating journey through 20th century transport history — plus an opportunity to meet the famous yellow car, Brum!
Meet Father Christmas and his trusty steed at Cotswold Reindeer Herd
A truly unique Christmas experience near Cirencester, there’s the opportunity to visit Santa AND his reindeer at Cotswold Reindeer Herd’s seasonal grotto. You can even shop for Christmas trees!
Family things to do in the Forest of Dean
Find art hidden in the forest on the famous Sculpture
Trail
Enjoy a four-and-a-half-mile long Sculpture Trail that starts and ends at Beechenhurst Lodge, featuring a changing collection of art in beautiful surroundings — with shortcuts for littler legs!
See the Severn Bore and its surfers, one of the biggest tidal bores on the planet
One of Gloucestershire’s most famous spectacles — as well as being a natural phenomenon — watch the Severn Bore from the safety of the banks. If you’re brave enough, you can even surf it!
Descend 100 feet underground and explore Clearwell Caves’ nine caverns
Offering an extremely unique family day out, explore the impressive underground caverns at Clearwell Caves, near Coleford, displaying some of Britain’s oldest underground mine workings.
Follow Forestry England’s Gruffalo Party trail
Celebrating 25 years of the character with ‘terrible tusks and terrible claws’, there’s a new family activity trail at Forestry England's Beechenhurst site for 2024.
Grab your slate and chalk for a lesson in the Victorian schoolroom at Dean Heritage Centre
Dean Heritage Centre is dedicated to telling the history of the Forest of Dean. Role play in the replica classroom, Forester’s Cottage or free mine, and go searching for hand-carved Gruffalo sculptures in the woods.
Paddle a canoe on the winding River Wye
Discover the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley from a whole new angle by canoeing or kayaking down the slow running waters of the River Wye.
Swing from the trees — literally! — at Beechenhurst’s Go Ape
An adrenaline-packed day out for the whole family, Go Ape features a selection of wobbly bridges, crossings and even a zipline to tackle, suitable for little climbers from as young as four.
Pedal along the nine miles of the Forest of Dean’s family cycle route, the Colliers Trail
A great way to explore the forest on two wheels, the family-friendly Colliers Trail follows historic railway lines, with access points at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike.
Jog the Forest of Dean junior parkrun
Energetic four- to 14-year-olds can race around this free 2km course at Coverham Enclosure Five Acres every Saturday morning, surrounded by oak trees previously used to build Tudor warships!
Harness the power of the Force at Star Wars filming location, Puzzlewood
A setting for scores of films including a major Star Wars production, explore the enchanted woodland and twisting tree trunks at Puzzlewood in Coleford.
Go on a heritage steam train ride at the Dean Forest Railway
Dean Forest Railway's steam trains take in nine miles of woodland and countryside. You can even get fish and chips or solve a murder mystery onboard!
Splash around in the shallow water at Wenchford on a warm day
A great spot for families to escape to during the summer months, kids can splash around in the water in Wenchford and enjoy a waterside picnic sheltered by a canopy oak trees overhead, too.
See birds of prey swooping around Symonds Yat Rock
Admire the full scope of the forest’s natural beauty with a hike around Symonds Yat, with stunning views over the Wye Valley from the top — as well as the chance to spot peregrine falcons!
Family things to do in Gloucester
Walk the hallways of Hogwarts at Harry Potter filming
location, Gloucester Cathedral
With plenty of family-friendly activities all year, explore the historic Gloucester Cathedral, with The King's School Gloucester just next door!
Explore 200 years of history at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
Based in Gloucester Docks and housed within a Grade II listed grain warehouse, there’s free entry to the National Waterways Museum Gloucester for 12 months with every ticket purchased.
Say ‘ahoy’ to pirate ships aplenty at Gloucester Tall Ships Festival
Back for 2024, get ready to rock the dock at Gloucester Tall Ships Festival — bringing a fleet of sailboats and a cargo hold-load of live entertainment this Spring bank holiday weekend.
Climb Cooper’s Hill to watch the world-famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling competition
Now a world-famous event, Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling takes place annually each summer at Cooper’s Hill and sees participants chase after a nine-pound wheel of Double Gloucester.
Get your fill from independent foodie businesses at Gloucester Food Dock
Gloucester Food Dock’s collective of tasty restaurants, bars and brunch spots offers plenty of child-friendly choices, from brownies at Hetty’s Place to authentic Italian pizza from Bella Mia @ No. 1.
Cheer on Glawwwster at Gloucester Rugby’s home ground in Kingsholm Stadium
The sporting pride and joy of the county, join more than 16,000 other Gloucester Rugby fans at Kingsholm Stadium and spectate some of the best rugby the country has to offer.
Take a swing on the Trackman driving range at Brickhampton Golf Club
Brickhampton Golf Club welcomes junior golfers on its tree-lined courses or go virtual on its Trackman range — with engaging games to improve their technique and spark their imaginations.
Hop onboard the Queen Boadicea on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
Once the broadest and deepest canal in the world, spend a day on the waters and discover some of Gloucestershire’s most impressive engineering and swing-bridges aboard the Queen Boadicea.
Shop for a designer bargain or tuck into a tasty lunch at Gloucester Quays
With a mix of high street and luxury stores boasting up to 70 per cent off every day — plus plenty of eateries to sink your teeth into — gather the family for a day out at Gloucester Quays.
Step into Beatrix Potter’s world at the House of the Tailor of Gloucester
A literary gem! Many rare collector’s items are on display within the shop and museum at Beatrix Potter’s House of the Tailor of Gloucester — keep an eye out for the hiding mice, too!
Take a tour of the Trident and Vulcan cockpits at the Jet Age Museum
Dedicated to celebrating and preserving Gloucestershire’s aviation heritage, a day at the Jet Age Museum in Gloucester is sure to make your soul take flight!
Test your nerve on one of Europe’s tallest high ropes courses at 270 Climbing Park
Reaching a dizzyingly high 18 metres, 270 Climbing Park promises an adrenaline-fuelled aerial adventure — with over 60 challenging obstacles set over five high ropes levels, plus low ropes, a freefall jump, zipline and leap of faith. Eek!
Catch a flick at Kingsholm’s affordable Sherborne Cinema
The independent Sherborne Cinema is an art deco picture house offering a fully immersive experience and well-priced tickets, as well as plenty of family flicks.
See a world-class exhibition or an artist at work at Nature in Art
Inspire art-loving children with a trip to Nature in Art, where they can meet the artists in residence, browse special exhibitions and have a go at creating something themselves.
Get a scoop of ice cream fresh from the cows at Wholly Gelato in Elmore
Using the freshest milk straight from cows reared on the family farm, Wholly Gelato offers delicious scoops of sweet treats — with the chance to say hello to the cows, too!
Explore the medieval street and Roman kitchen playhouse at the Museum of Gloucester
With two floors of exhibitions and interactive experiences, the Museum of Gloucester is the prime place to explore the city's history – with family events taking place throughout the year.
Hit the dry slopes for some downhill action at Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre
Identified as one of the UK’s best dry slopes, Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre offers a 255-metre main slope, plus trainer and nursery slopes — with skiing, snowboarding and tubing for all levels.
Beat the wall, beat the wall, beat the wall… at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester
Inspired by the popular ITV show Ninja Warrior UK, Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester gives families a chance to take on the climbing, balancing, swinging and jumping challenges.
Jam, rap, mix on decks and perform at The Music Works’ vibrant Gloucester Hub
Kids with a passion for music can record their own tracks at The Music Works’ specialist studio in Kings Square — with after-school clubs, workshops and socials for budding musicians to meet like-minded peers.
Step back into the swinging sixties at Gloucester Goes Retro
Combining vintage fashion, retro music and over 500 classic cars, Gloucester Goes Retro fills the city’s historic streets with nostalgic entertainment on August bank holiday weekend.
Dress up in uniforms and climb into a trench at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
Located at Gloucester Docks, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum gives an important and fascinating insight into the lives of local servicemen from the last 300 years.
Scale Robinswood Hill for views all the way to Wales
If it’s a brisk picturesque walk you’re after, then Robinswood Hill could be the perfect tonic. Follow the trail, spot the native wildlife along the way and reap the reward of unbelievable views!
Hurtle down the hill on a mountain bike at 417 Bike Park
417 Bike Park, between Cheltenham and Gloucester, is the perfect place for adrenaline-seekers to test their aptitude for mountain biking, with jumps and downhill tracks for all abilities.
Family things to do in Stroud
Hear the remarkable history of Berkeley Castle
Peer inside the cell where King Edward II was imprisoned at Gloucestershire's striking medieval fortress, Berkeley Castle — and grab a bite in the new Kitchen Garden restaurant, opening March 2024.
Meet flamingos, the world’s rarest geese and lots more at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is home to a world of wetland wildlife, family attractions and prime birdwatching spots, with fascinating animals to meet.
Tuck into a wood-fired pizza or play a boardgame at Stroud Brewery
There’s more to do at Stroud Brewery than drink beer, making it a fun destination – located right off the canal — for a post-stroll pitstop.
Whizz down slides or take a ride on a tractor at Cattle Country Farm Park
Home to all kinds of adorable creatures, Cattle Country offers a fantastic day out for families, with farmyard fun, outdoor activities and sell-out seasonal events to amuse all ages.
Snap up tickets for The Sub Rooms’ family shows
From live wrestling to pop divas concerts, Horrible Histories on stage to its must-see Christmas panto, The Sub Rooms has a packed programme of shows for an afternoon or evening of family entertainment.
Dance in the ring at Giffords Circus — starting and finishing at Fennells Farm
Party with the Giffords Circus performers in the ring after this year's gravity-defying, Arthurian-inspired show, Avalon.
Experience the morning hustle and bustle of Stroud Farmers’ Market
Shop for fresh produce and yummy snacks at Stroud's award-winning Farmers' Market every Saturday.
Play hide and seek in the follies at Painswick Rococo Garden
Once a pleasure garden for gentlefolk, Painswick Rococo Garden is full of fanciful follies and fragrant flowers for families to discover.
Spy the sunken boats at Purton Ships’ Graveyard
Pull on your wellies and spot abandoned boats on the banks of the River Severn at Purton Ships' Graveyard — dubbed one of the UK's most unusual museums.
Queue for a cone at Winstones’ ice cream parlour on Rodborough Common
Winstones Ice Cream has been producing ice-cream and sorbets for more than 100 years, with its parlour serving delicious scoops in the Stroud countryside.
Peek inside the secret garden at Museum in the Park
Museum in the Park is set in the grounds of Stratford Park in Stroud and features a range of exhibitions, along with a calendar of events.
Hunt for rumoured ghosts at Woodchester Mansion
A 19th century Victorian Gothic masterpiece, visit Woodchester Mansion on a unique bat tour and look out for those ghosts!
Take a sun-dappled stroll along Stroudwater Canal’s restored towpaths
Get in some steps and breathe in the fresh air on an amble along the Stroudwater Canal.
Make friends with the free-roaming cows, horses and donkeys on Minchinhampton Common
Meet Minchinhampton Common's friendly bovine residents, with horses and donkeys to spot, too!
Family things to do in Tewkesbury
Admire Tewkesbury Abbey’s impressive stained-glass window
Consecrated in 1121, Tewkesbury Abbey is one of the oldest
buildings in Gloucestershire — and its seven quire windows are some of the best
examples of medieval stained glass in the country.
Experience Tewkesbury Medieval Festival’s famous 1471 battle re-enactment
One of the town's most famous highlights, relive the Battle of Tewkesbury at the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival every summer, with medieval market stalls to browse and historical arts and crafts to try, too.
See the Roses Theatre’s Young Creatives perform — or join them on stage!
Youngsters can get involved with drama, dance and singing at the Roses Young Creatives, with opportunities to see them on stage throughout the year. They’re taking on We Will Rock You for this year’s summer musical!
Listen to the birds singing at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
Spot birds, butterflies, bees and dragonflies while you tuck into your sarnies, with Tewkesbury Nature Reserve providing a peaceful and picturesque picnic spot.
Push your paddleboard off from Lower Lode’s popular launch
Paddle your way around a leisurely loop that starts and finishes at the Lower Lode Inn, taking in the River Avon and the River Severn, before heading back for a well-deserved pub lunch.
Soak up three days of free live music at Tewkesbury LIVE
Bringing Tewkesbury to life with live music in July, Tewkesbury LIVE sees talented musicians perform free gigs across town — with free family crafting, music workshops and shows for younger children, too.
Take a living history tour at John Moore Museum
Find out about life in the countryside, wander through a cottage garden and speak to some 'real' Tudors at John Moore Museum.
Give windsurfing a go at Croft Farm Water Park
Try to keep your balance on a very wet visit to Tewkesbury's Croft Farm water sports lake, with caravan and camping pitches to stay the night.
Sip lemonade in Gloucestershire’s oldest pub, The Black Bear
Whether you're hunting for the secret staircase inside or hoping to nab the sunniest spot on the outdoor terrace, everyone in the family can enjoy having a drink at the historic pub, The Black Bear.
Whirl around on a fairground ride at Tewkesbury’s Mop Fair
Described as the largest street fair in Gloucestershire and one of the oldest fairs in the UK, Tewkesbury Mop Fair takes place in town every October.
Hit a hole-in-one at Sherdons pirate-themed Adventure Golf. Y’arrr!
Sherdons Adventure Golf takes crazy golf to the next level! With lagoons and rafts to navigate, don your pirate hat and look out for signs of the infamous pirate, Blackbeard…
Follow in the footsteps of 15th-century soldiers, walking the Battle Trail
Fought on Saturday 4 May 1471 over the fields on the south of the town, follow the Tewkesbury Battle Trail to tread in the footsteps of the soldiers.
